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Theoretical Perspectives on Family Research

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Family Demography and Post-2015 Development Agenda in Africa

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Abstract

Several theoretical perspectives have influenced the study of family at various levels of abstraction. However, many demographic studies of the family in sub-Saharan Africa have not been anchored on any theoretical orientation. Given the relevance of theory in explaining why patterns and practices within a family are the way they are, this paper presents an overview of nine theoretical frameworks that are commonly used by social scientists in the study of family. The major focus, strengths and weakness of each perspective is highlighted. Advancement in understanding family dynamics in the subregion would depend heavily on the apt application of existing theories and models.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Demography and Population Studies Programme, Schools of Public Health and Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Lorretta Favour Chizomam Ntoimo

  2. Department of Demography and Social Statistics, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria

    Lorretta Favour Chizomam Ntoimo

  3. Demography and Population Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Clifford O. Odimegwu

Authors
  1. Lorretta Favour Chizomam Ntoimo
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  2. Clifford O. Odimegwu
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Demography and Population Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Clifford O. Odimegwu

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Ntoimo, L.F.C., Odimegwu, C.O. (2020). Theoretical Perspectives on Family Research. In: Odimegwu, C. (eds) Family Demography and Post-2015 Development Agenda in Africa. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-14887-4_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-14887-4_4

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-14886-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-14887-4

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

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